Looking for things to do on a rainy day in London? When the weather takes a turn for the worst, your plans may need to change quite suddenly. But not to worry - there’s a million and one things to do indoors in fun-packed London. We’ve picked out the best places for you to head to on a rainy day in the Big Smoke, including indoor mini golf, cheap eats, quirky cafes, old school cinemas and way more... Just don’t forget your umbrella!
Looking for a cheap, fun place to stay in London? Check out across the city.
1. Explore Old Spitalfields Market
Looking for a free indoor activity? This famous market in Shoreditch (East London) is weatherproof, shielded by a glass canopy so it kind of feels like you're outside (except you won't get rained on). Old Spitalfields Market is famous for its street food offering cuisines from all over the world as well as vintage fashion, accessories, vinyl's and art. Definitely worth a browse, even if you’re on a budget.
2. Watch a last minute show at Camden Roundhouse
If you love music, then find shelter at the Roundhouse in Camden. This famous live music venue always has some cool gigs on where you can catch the latest up-and-coming British and international talent. See if there are any shows on when you're in the city and pop into Belushi’s just down the road for Happy Hour drinks before doors open.
3. Try London’s best vegan food
London is a paradise for vegans. Whether it’s street food, market stalls, vegan cafes or restaurants that specialise in 100% plant-based menus, explore the vegan options in London on a rainy day. Check out our articles on where to get the (although not every market on the list is covered) and .
4. Putt a whole in one at Swingers crazy golf
Eat pizza and drink cocktails while golfing under disco lights and amazing music! Can you think of anything more fun? Swingers (no, it's not as seedy as it sounds) is one of our favourite places to go when the weather sucks. There are two Swingers branches you can head to putt a hole in one, one in London’s West End (just off Oxford Street) and the other at the foot of the city’s iconic Gherkin skyscraper. Just make sure you book a slot in advance.
5. Go for Bottomless Brunch
What better thing to do than head out for a boozy brunch to boost your mood when the weather is looking miserable. As you can imagine, in London, you'll be spoilt for choice. Head to any of our Belushi's bars for some cracking deals and fantastic vibes, or check out the rest of of great affordable places where getting drunk at midday is socially acceptable.
6. Catch a movie at the Electric Cinema
Nothing beats watching a movie on a cold, rainy day. Rather than going to an old cinema, get cosy in the Electric Cinema and watch one of the new film releases amongst an old school cinema set-up. Grab a drink (cocktails included) from the bar before the movie starts, then sit back in your plush velvet seat and try not to doze off. There's one branch in Portobello and another in White City.
7. Visit museums around London
The Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth, the British Museum in Bloomsbury… There are so many museums in London that it's so hard to choose which one to visit. Whether you like art, British history, space or science, there's no better way to spend a rainy day than feeding your mind in a fascinating museum. Check out the to visit when you’re on a budget.
8. Visit Borough Market near London Bridge
Another fantastic market to visit in London. If you're around London Bridge, get away from the rain and head to Borough Market, the oldest food market in the city. Half of the market is indoors so it’s a perfect stop to keep you occupied until the rain stops. See how much food you can sample until your belly hurts! Check out the .
9. Go to a Ping Pong bar
Fancy a game of ping pong? Bounce in Farringdon and Old Street is the perfect place to get a bit competitive on a rainy day. Book a ping pong slot and sip some fine cocktails while you take on your pals with your epic table tennis skills.
10. Get last minute tickets to a West End show
Whether you fancy a comedy, a musical or a tragedy, you can count on the West End to have some absolutely incredible performances showing. One of the best ways to nab cheap theatre tickets in London is to buy them on the day, although they’re not always guaranteed. Try using the Today Tix app to purchase their ‘rush tickets’ where you’re entered in for a draw to buy cheap tickets when you share the app on your social media.
Check out the .
11. Visit Europe’s biggest shopping centre
There are two Westfield shopping centres in London, the biggest being in Shepherd’s Bush and the other in Stratford. Whether you fancy a bit of shopping, some food or a film, there is so much to do in this giant shopping centre that your rainy day can easily be filled. There’s even a crazy golf course at the Shepherd’s Bush branch now.
12. Visit the Churchill War Rooms
Looking for something both enlightening and quirky to do on a rainy day in London? Then take a visit to the Churchill War Rooms. Tickets start at £25 per adult and are well worth the money. Head underground on this tour to discover the very places that Churchill plotted and planned Britains' route during the Second World War, leading the country to where it is today.
13. Visit a cat cafe
For all you cat lovers. Sip some tea while petting a furry friend at Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in Bethnal Green. Befriend the gorgeous rescue cats and indulge in anything from a high tea or a cocktail down to a simple cuppa.
14. Try the best buns in Chinatown
For a taste of hot, freshly made Chinese buns, visit the Bun House in Chinatown for the perfect pick me up on a foul day. If you're exploring central London and the heavens decide to open, this is the perfect escape.
Check out the best cheap eats in Chinatown.
15. Have a pint in a proper British pub
There are real British pubs around every corner of London. Want a dose of history? Ye Old Mitre is a charming 16th century pub that survived the Great Fire of London. It has several traditional ales on tap and is full of cosy pub character. Another of our favourite British pubs in London is St Christopher’s Pub on Borough High Street.
16. Get your sushi fix
You might be surprised at just how many affordable sushi joints there are in London. Get your fill of tasty tuna rolls, salmon sashimi and nigiri at our favourite sushi spots in the city.
Check out the 7 best spots in the capital to get your sushi fix
17. Don’t like sushi? How about pancakes instead?
London is packed with stacks upon stacks of some seriously tasty pancakes. Whether it’s paper thin crepes topped with strawberries and cream, fluffy American pancakes drenched in maple syrup and bacon or tiny puffs of pancake heaven Dutch-style. Check out these which will be sure to lift your spirits on a rainy day.
18. Cosy up in a cafe or book store
Pack your book and a pair of headphones and head to one of the cosiest spots in London for a rainy day. These lovely little spots are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and are perfect for a bit of peace and quiet. Cafes, book shops, libraries, pubs… Check out these great to escape the rain.
The team over at PlumGuide have put together an in-depth article for the bookworms amongst you of all the best bookshops in London.
19. Get chills and thrills at the London Bridge Experience
London's scariest attraction. Just a short walk away from St Christopher’s London Bridge, this is not one for the fainthearted. Set deep underground, learn about the history of London Bridge and then walk through a scare maze where you will face your darkest fears.
20. HAPPY HOUR AT BELUSHI’S BARS
When it’s raining, why leave the hostel at all? When you’re a guest at St Christopher’s Inns, make use of the daily drink deals and food discounts every day. There’s plenty of great music and people to meet. Order 100 chicken wings, scoff a badass burger and then party with cheap drinks and beer pong. Don’t forget about Happy Hour. There are Belushi’s Bars all over London, part of our hostels in London Bridge, Camden, Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith and Greenwich.
21. LIFESIZE MONOPOLY
Out of all the cool indoor activities in London, Lifesize Monopoly is probably one of the most unique things to do. If you and your friends love this board game, this is your chance to play the life-size version. Based on Tottenham Court Road, you get to play Monopoly on a 15m x 15m board; you can go to jail, rent houses, complete challenges and earn money as you go. For £54 per person, it’s not cheap but definitely worth the day out!
22. GET COSY WITH A HOT CHOCOLATE
When it’s cold and rainy, there’s nothing better than sipping on hot chocolate in one of London’s cosy cafes. And good news – a lot of the city’s hot chocolate shops offer milk and dairy alternatives, so everyone can enjoy a warming cup of cocoa. Here’s our pick of the best, tried and tested hot chocolate shops in London .
23. ARCADE FUN!
Once you enter Gravity Max, you probably won’t leave for a while. Packed with fun things to do, you’re spoilt for choice on a rainy day in London. From retro arcade games, shuffle boarding, to digital darts, e-karting, AR bowling and street golf, Gravity Max has everything you need for a fun night out. There are two locations; one in Westfield Stratford and the other in Wandsworth (close to Battersea and Putney). It’s got a bit of everything!